Italy commemorates 800th anniversary of Francis of Assisi in Turin and Ivrea

On May 19, 2024, the Diocese of Ivrea hosted a talk on the Franciscan heritage of the city. Father Patrick Olikh, a Ukrainian‑origin Franciscan, spoke about the charisma of St Francis as lived by the local Franciscan family, followed by a presentation of a publication documenting Franciscan sites in the diocese. Bishop Daniele Salera attended the event, which was promoted as preparation for a diocesan pilgrimage to Assisi in late June.

At the Turin Book Fair, the Umbria region highlighted the 800th anniversary of St Francis of Assisi. Regional President Stefania Proietti, Vice‑President Tommaso Bori and writer Davide Rondoni addressed the fair, emphasizing the saint’s message of peace, fraternity and care for creation. The region cited the recently passed Regional Law No. 1 of 2026 dedicated to the centenary, noting over €570,000 in funding for 23 projects to promote the commemoration.

Both events reflect a coordinated cultural effort across Italy to revive interest in St Francis ahead of the special jubilee year proclaimed by the Vatican for 2026‑2027.